Tree species for western washington.

1. What evergreen tree species besides western red cedar, doug fir and hemlock grow well and fast and will produce usable wood for building things east of everett wa at about 700-800ft elevation.

2. Where could I procure such species either seed or starts.

I don't plan on using the wood for firewood, and mostly only intend to reforest part of my 5 acre property. Ideally I would like to be able to use some of the wood for various small construction projects when they get big enough. I'm mostly interested in growing things that grow fast and/or produce expensive lumber in the event that I don't do anything with it but my kids might want a cash in.

Thanks!

Jonathan 'yukkuri' Kame

Posts: 488

Location: Foothills north of L.A., zone 9ish mediterranean

3

posted 5 years ago

Bamboo.

Jesus Martinez

Posts: 166

posted 5 years ago

Bamboo is a problem for us here because it quickly becomes an un-removable invasive pest.

Jonathan 'yukkuri' Kame

Posts: 488

Location: Foothills north of L.A., zone 9ish mediterranean

3

posted 5 years ago

raindog wrote: Bamboo is a problem for us here because it quickly becomes an un-removable invasive pest.

Right. I couldn't imagine why anyone would want a perpetual stand of incredibly strong, light, fast growing timber that happens to be deliciously edible. Invite asian friends over in spring, and they will gleefully cut back the new shoots, maybe even cook for you.

Posts: 0

posted 5 years ago

Myself, I think one ought to be careful when choosing plants to grow if they are not indigenous to the local area. I don't believe bamboo "fits" into the PNW. I believe there are a couple varities native to the SE USA, but am not certain.

One could probably assemble an fairly extensive list of things like that that have had unintened results.

There are a lot of Christmas tree farms where I am, I don't think it would generate much income as they are all much larger than I could plant out.

Also, I agree with yukkuri in that bamboo could be an excellent plant, but I don't want it to invade everything. I am very bad at maintaining things and something that spread like bamboo would eventually take over a lot of things because I wouldn't maintain it well.

I live south of raindog by roughly 100 miles. Have you tried Weyerhaeuser? They have at least one nursery, and probably more up around the Rochester area. They do sell to the public, and if memory serves, they have an annual sale on seedlings-can't remember when. Lot of independent tree farms down this way. Two owners I know have planted a species of redwood that is hardy for this area. Noble fir is another choice, and then there is always alder. And alder makes wonderful firewood!

Jesus Martinez

Posts: 166

posted 5 years ago

Thanks,

Weyerhauser seems like a good place, .25-.55 cents per tree.

Posts: 5

posted 5 years ago

If for some reason you happen by Chehalis over the weekend there is a garden show at the Yardbirds shopping center. One of the participants in there was giving away free Noble and Doug Fir seedlings.

In the lowland hard to beat doug fir for pretty wood and cedar for durability. Other exotic or native hardwoods might be worthy for specialty timber. I noticed you are thinking about market value. I imagine it really depends on why and and how you bring it to market. Spacinng and pre-commercial thinning are important to get clear grain. Check out

conundrum wrote: I live south of raindog by roughly 100 miles. Have you tried Weyerhaeuser? They have at least one nursery, and probably more up around the Rochester area. They do sell to the public, and if memory serves, they have an annual sale on seedlings-can't remember when. Lot of independent tree farms down this way. Two owners I know have planted a species of redwood that is hardy for this area. Noble fir is another choice, and then there is always alder. And alder makes wonderful firewood!